The term "provokedst" is an archaic form of the verb "provoke," which appears in older translations of the Bible. It is used to describe the act of inciting, stirring up, or arousing someone to a particular feeling or action, often anger or wrath. In the context of Scripture, it frequently refers to the actions of the Israelites or individuals who incited God's anger through disobedience, idolatry, or rebellion.

Biblical Context and Usage:

1. Israel's Rebellion:
The Israelites often "provoked" God through their repeated disobedience and idolatry. In the wilderness, despite witnessing God's miracles and provision, they frequently turned away from Him, leading to His righteous anger. For instance, in Deuteronomy 9:7 , Moses reminds the Israelites, "Remember this and never forget how you provoked the LORD your God to anger in the wilderness. From the day you left the land of Egypt until you arrived here, you have been rebellious against the LORD."

2. Idolatry and Apostasy:
The act of provoking God is closely associated with idolatry. The Israelites' worship of foreign gods and their failure to remain faithful to the covenant provoked God's wrath. In Judges 2:12 , it is recorded, "They forsook the LORD, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of Egypt. They followed and worshiped various gods of the peoples around them. They provoked the LORD to anger."

3. Prophetic Warnings:
The prophets frequently warned the people of Israel and Judah about their actions that provoked God. These warnings were calls to repentance and a return to covenant faithfulness. Jeremiah 25:6 states, "Do not follow other gods to serve and worship them; do not provoke Me to anger with the work of your hands. Then I will do you no harm."

4. God's Patience and Justice:
While God is provoked to anger by sin and rebellion, His responses are always just and measured. The Bible emphasizes His patience and desire for repentance. In Nehemiah 9:17 , it is acknowledged, "They refused to listen and failed to remember the wonders You performed among them. They stiffened their necks and appointed a leader to return to their bondage in Egypt. But You are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in loving devotion, and You did not forsake them."

5. New Testament Reflections:
The New Testament continues the theme of provocation, particularly in the context of God's patience and the call to repentance. In Romans 10:19 , Paul references Deuteronomy, saying, "But I ask, did Israel not understand? First, Moses says: 'I will make you jealous by those who are not a nation; I will provoke you to anger by a nation without understanding.'"

Theological Implications:

The concept of provoking God underscores the seriousness of sin and the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God. It highlights the tension between God's holiness and human sinfulness, while also emphasizing His mercy and desire for reconciliation. The repeated provocations by the Israelites serve as a cautionary tale for believers, reminding them of the need for steadfastness in faith and the dangers of turning away from God.

Hail, Jesus;
... Hail, sweet Jesus, whom Peter the chief of the Apostles thrice denied; and yet Thou
most mercifully lookedst upon him, and provokedst him to repentance and ...
/.../baker/holy wisdom or directions for the prayer of contemplation/hail jesus.htm

Provokedst (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Provokedst (1 Occurrence). Deuteronomy 9:7 Remember,
and forget not, how thou provokedst the LORD thy God ...
/p/provokedst.htm - 6k

Wentest (16 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 9:7 Remember, forget thou not, how thou provokedst Jehovah thy God to
wrath in the wilderness: from the day that thou wentest forth out of the land ...
/w/wentest.htm - 11k

Provokes (4 Occurrences)

/p/provokes.htm - 7k

Wroth (65 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 9:7 Remember, forget thou not, how thou provokedst Jehovah thy God to
wrath in the wilderness: from the day that thou wentest forth out of the land ...
/w/wroth.htm - 26k

Provoked (70 Occurrences)

/p/provoked.htm - 28k

Depart (211 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 9:7 Remember, and forget not, how thou provokedst the LORD thy God to
wrath in the wilderness: from the day that thou didst depart out of the land ...
/d/depart.htm - 36k

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